Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Company Ltd signed a 2.5-billion-yuan contract ($397 million) in Beijing to build nine patrol vessels for the country's marine patrol force, china.org.cn reported on Thursday.

The nine ships are five 3,000-ton vessels and four 5,000-ton vessels, and their design will be based on Haijian 50, a 3,000-ton ship for the China Marine Surveillance fleet, and Haixun 01, a 5,000-ton ship for the China Maritime Safety Administration force.

The report did not elaborate on where the nine ships will be handed over when completed.

As the country is dealing with complicated marine disputes, China is beefing up its marine force to safeguard its maritime interests, a move which was highlighted in President Hu Jintao's speech at the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China in November.

According to the China Marine Surveillance, about 36 inspection ships will join its patrol fleet from 2011 to 2013.

 

Related Readings

China's shipbuilding output down 21.4% in 2012

Shipbuilder proves it can weather choppy economic waters

China vows to beef up maritime security

4 surveillance ships join Diaoyu patrols

China sends patrol vessel to South China Sea